Managing Rosacea

Managing Rosacea

If you suffer from Rosacea, you’re no stranger to the constant attention required to manage this difficult skin condition and reduce the occasion of its unsightly flare-ups.

And unfortunately in the heart of summer, the disorder – which can cause flushing, persistent redness, bumps and pimples, visible blood vessels and other symptoms – can become increasingly problematic, due to triggers including heat, sun exposure, increased physical activity and more.

Thankfully, while there is no cure for Rosacea, the proper professional skincare regimen, coupled with appropriate lifestyle choices, can make a significant impact on the appearance of symptoms.

Enjoy summer without worry of firing up Rosacea-prone skin with these tips, which can apply to all seasons:

TAKE TRIGGERS SERIOUSLY
For some Rosacea sufferers, there can be a laundry list of triggers that can exacerbate their condition. However, the most commoninclude sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol and spicy or citrus foods. Make note of the triggers that affect you most severely and try to avoid them or at least reduce their impact. During the summer months, cover up with a hat and ample sunscreen, and stay cool by chewing on ice chips or spritzing yourself with a spray bottle. Stick to the air-conditioned gym for your summer workouts and exercise for shorter intervals. And if citrus fruits or marinated meats are on your trigger list, make sure you enjoy BBQ season for its social – not epicurean – opportunities.

STICK TO GENTLE SKINCARE
An appropriate skincare regimen is crucial to the management of Rosacea. Hard, abrasive products, such as facial scrubs, should be avoided at all costs, as they can further irritate skin. Instead, use products that are gentle and have soothing and protectingcapabilities. A mild cleanser and moisturizer are musts. Control Corrective Sensitive Skin Cleansing Milk and Botanical Soothing Cream SPF 30, which both help calm skin and reduce inflammation, are great picks for Rosacea sufferers. Always rinse with lukewarm water and blot (no pulling or tugging!) the face dry with a thick cotton towel.

SUNSCREEN, ALWAYS
Because UV exposure is such a common Rosacea trigger, sunscreen must be worn everyday, no matter the season. Use a sunscreen that is formulated for sensitive skin and apply liberally and often. For some, it doesn’t take a lot of exposure to cause a flare-up. Control’s Botanical Sunscreen SPF 30 doubles as a mild moisturizer and broad-spectrum sun protectant.

TREAT PIMPLES
The small, red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples that can develop with Rosacea can be a most frustrating symptom. Topical serums, lotions and professional treatments performed by an esthetician can help manage the acne. Control’s Sulfur Calming Mask, a therapeutic mask that absorbs excess oil and calms inflamed skin, is an effective tool when used as a daily spot treatment or applied overnight.

REDUCE THE RED
Persistent facial redness – appearing like a blush or sunburn – is the most common sign of Rosacea, and can be considered the most bothersome symptom. Control’s Redness Relief Serum diffuses both redness and dilated blood vessels and offers an extremely cooling and calming effect for skin, especially when kept in the refrigerator.